Business Plans

"When the time for action arrives, the time for preparation has past."

~ Author Unknown

Whether you are a large, seasoned company, small start-up, or are preparing to launch or buy a business you need a plan. The plan(s) need to be written down. The questions that you will answer will open your mind to possibilities and to limitations. It is the process of taking ownership and control of your success. There is truly no random success. You will use this plan to crystallize your goals, ideas, passion, and vision. Your plan will reflect you – what you see. It is the tool by which you relay information and your vision to its readers.

Why a business plan?

• $ - To be successful you will need money – investment capital in the form of your savings account, bank or personal loans, or selling equity into your company. If anyone is going to give you money (loan or investment) they will want to see what the hype is about. How is it going to be successful? Do you have a grasp on how the company will be successful? What challenges do you face? How much money will you need, and in what installments? Will you be able to pay back your loan with interest or what their dividends will be and when will they come.

• ?? – To explore, formulate, and understand what your goals are. It forces the evaluation of the feasibility of the business. Determine where you are going to take this company and how it will operate. The plan will lay the foundation for your products and services, marketing approach, corporate culture, cash flows, training, and etc. Template your company - don’t limit it, but give it room to grow and develop.

If done correctly, the business plan will feed your passion, fuel your fire, lay the foundation for success, and open opportunities for greater ideas. Your company is not slave to the plan, but draws upon it for identity and focus. Your systems and procedures will be built to support the mission and vision of the company.

Don’t sell yourself short!

Business Plans May Include the Following:

I.	Executive Summary
II.	Investment Opportunity
III.	Industry Overview & History
IV.	Current Operations
V.	S.W.O.T. or Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
VI.	Strategic Plan / Positioning
VII.	Operating Plans
VIII.	Marketing
IX.	Company Organizational Chart
X.	Projects / Proposal
XI.	Economic Impact
XII.	Philanthropy
XIII.	Environmental Responsibility
XIV.	Financial Calculations
XV.	Pro-Forma / Budget / P&L
XVI.	Management Biographies
XVII.	Appendices

~ Jason Saetrum